The Dead peaked out from 88 - 90 when you compare the sound and the vibes it is "Steal You Face" transparent. Although the time with Pigpen was about equal their was something about Pigpen that transponded positive energy. People say the 70's were great but when you listen without bias it's far exagerated, that era for the Dead was dull, check out the Grateful Dead Movie and it displays the 70's scene a bunch of overdosed boomers in self indulgence that put their kids on the stage and think it's cute. That was not cute or good for kids at all, those are the same folks that sent their kids to harsh abusive rehabs years later like hypocrites, the same crowd that now goes to see the current Mayer nightmare catastrophe paying hundreds of dollars per show like it's a country club. The Sound was so much better from 88 - 90 even if you compare too the early 80's it's like night and day in comparison. The Dead were in a major zone from 88 - 90 it just got real weird. That was the surge you can sense the vibes if you are aware. 87 the energy was building up to a wave that set up perfectly for a couple years of pure enjoyment!

My favorite period is 69'-79' with 73' and 74' being what I consider peak Dead but there is something about this show that I really like.